Online and Distance Learning

Sports psychology PhD programs provide a perfect way into the world of the athlete without actually becoming one.

Exercise and sport psychology is now rapidly growing in importance. So much of performing well in sport is about motivation, stress, endurance, will power - all psychological factors. This places the sports psychologist in great demand.  And sports psychology PhD programs are rapidly becoming very popular amongst students.  Those who want to carry on working whilst studying take their sports psychology PhD online. 

This page will help you to find out more about what's in the programs, what sports psychology careers are possible, and to locate suitable university online degree programs.  There are several schools to choose from listed on this page.

Which schools offer online sports psychology PhD programs?

The following list shows selected schools for sport psychology graduate programs (plus other other programs relevant to a career in sports psychology):

• The University of the Rockies Online
  • Doctor of Psychology - Sports and Performance Psychology 
  • Doctor of Psychology - Health and Wellness Psychology

• Capella University Online
  • PhD in General Psychology

• Walden University
  • Ph.D. in Psychology

Check the search box for other sports psychology schools and programs.  Also check other specializations on this site for schools and programs of possible interest.

Other specializations relevant to sports psychology

You may find it useful to consider the programs available in the following areas:

• counseling psychology;
• developmental psychology (infant, child, adolescent, adult and elderly);
• general psychology;
• health psychology.

You can usually specialize in an area relevant to sports in a general PhD in Psychology program (such as those found at Capella University Online or Walden University) or take a Doctor in Psychology with a specialization in Sports and Performance Psychology, such as that found at The University of the Rockies Online.  You can also study in related fields such as Health and Wellness Psychology, which can be studied at doctoral level at The University of the Rockies Online.

What do you study in sports psychology PhD programs?

As a sports psychology doctoral student you can focus your study in an area that suits your professional interests, but your aim will be to use the knowledge gained in the sports psychology graduate program to make people more effective. In additon to taking graduate courses similar to or the same as those in the masters program, you will need to present a substantial thesis based on your own original research, and make an oral defense of it.

What jobs do graduates get?

As a PhD sports psychology graduate you are qualified for management jobs or specialist positions in education, training, testing, or research.  You can also find jobs as guidance counselors or educators.  With a doctorate in sport and exercise psychology it is possible to obtain faculty positions at universities and community colleges.  In the US, as an Assistant Professor you would earn about US$54,000, as a Associate Professor about US$67,000, and as a full Professor you would earn about US$85,000 - but the competition is tough. 

More information about sports psychology PhD programs

If you don't find what you want on this page, you can try using the search facility on the ODL website using: sports psychology PhD as your search term.

Go to the on campus programs page if you wish to know more about the on campus sports psychology programs available.